[ekibekil]

Hey guys, roadie here....

I am looking to move to a full suspension XC bike for rides with friends and family (for fun) and am coming from a strong road biking background. I have been on a mountain bike before (Bontrager, back when Keith made a hardtail). On my radar is the the Motobecane Fantom Team from Bikesdirect.com.

1. With a $2000 budget, why not buy this?
2. If not, what do you suggest?

Thanks for the input in advance.

Cheers,

ekibekil

 

[One Pivot]

unless you're very light, the super high shock ratio on that bike isnt going to ride well in 5 inch mode.

has good parts, and kind of a generic cheapo frame. id rather have cheaper components and a really great frame. 71.5 hta is very steep for a mountain bike as well.

 

[kapusta]

1. With a $2000 budget, why not buy this?
l

Use the search function, enter "motobecane"

http://forums.mtbr.com/search.php?searchid=9555155

 

[ekibekil]

One Pivot -- thanks for the reply. What can I expect from the head-tube angle of 71.5 performance-wise? What would you buy (if I may be so bold) with 2K? FWIW, I weigh about 170.

ekibekil

 

[One Pivot]

geometry is very subjective. theres no good or bad geo necessarily.. you just gotta get what works for you. thats the tough part about buying a first bike, its gonna take some miles before you figure out what you really want.

id get something that fits you well of a decent spec, used. if you hate it you can resell it and not be out much if anything. if you love it, you can upgrade some bits or what not.

 

[pode]

i bought a phantom team and the frame is of a very good quality made by kinesis who makes probably half the frames out there . you cant beat it for the price,the component spec is top notch. at most shops you would pay the same price for the compnents as you would for the whole bike from direct!if your not a very heavy guy this bike would probably suite you fine.any other questions just message me.

 

[upNdown]

I think buying full suspension mountain bike frames sight unseen and without test drive is a daring proposition. I've done it twice (supergo and pricepoint frames) and had wonderful success. But that doesn't mean I'd recommend that others go that route.
As long as you know you're taking a bit of a gamble on whether you'll love the frame, I say go for it. It is a killer deal, and I say if you don't like the frame, you can always try another clearance frame from another website, transfer all that XTR over, and try again.

 

[clutch_08]

Trek fuel ex8 last years models are under 2000. I would look in to those

 

[Biohazard74]

Or last years Giant Trance X2.

 

[chewymilk99]

If you do have 2Gs to spend and you are going to stick with a mtb. I would find the closest specialized dealer and just buy a stumpjumper FSR Comp. I test rode one a wee bit back and could not believe how sweet that bike was for the money. It was one of those why would someone buy the higher priced stumpies? When my Santa Cruz BLT bites it I think I'll be buying one myself.
Here's a link:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=46578&eid=4950&menuItemId=9248

But if this is just a "testing the waters of mtbing" faze. Then I would suggest the used market. But if you do buy the Specs and dont like it. I'd be more than willing to take it off your hands Hell I'll even pay for shipping.

 

[mimi1885]

I agree with one Pivot, I'd rather have a good frame and build up on the parts than the other way around. New Giant Trance X2 is an excellent choice for 2k.

If you would also consider pre-owned, then your choices just open up at least 10 times. There's nothing wrong with Used bikes, it's mountain bike within your first couple ride you'll get some scratches and dirty anyways.

You want nice components so it boost the performance, but if the frame which is the heart of it all, is not performing it's just a waste. Best is to test ride them all if possible.

 

[panhndl]

I don't know your size, but ebay offers some great opportunities

http://cgi.ebay.com/SWEET-2008-Gary...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item19bddd2c89

http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-TREK-TOP-F...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item1e5d1b6304

http://cgi.ebay.com/Giant-Anthem-Ad...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item3a5ce7ac9a

http://cgi.ebay.com/Felt-Nine-Elite...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item563e2b13be

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Fuel-EX9-5...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item1c141d1df0

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Scott-Scal...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item43a0731bf3

And that's just what I found in the first 50 of the carbon fiber/titanium section. There are literally TONS in the aluminum area.

 

[bikesdirect]

I don't know your size, but ebay offers some great opportunities

http://cgi.ebay.com/SWEET-2008-Gary...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item19bddd2c89

http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-TREK-TOP-F...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item1e5d1b6304

http://cgi.ebay.com/Giant-Anthem-Ad...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item3a5ce7ac9a

http://cgi.ebay.com/Felt-Nine-Elite...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item563e2b13be

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-Fuel-EX9-5...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item1c141d1df0

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Scott-Scal...iewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item43a0731bf3

And that's just what I found in the first 50 of the carbon fiber/titanium section. There are literally TONS in the aluminum area.

Maybe I should not comment here: as we do not sell off-road bikes with carbon fiber frames --- However, how does one know the condition of a used CF frame?

Have you heard this? "If you impact your bike and the force of the impact is absorbed by a carbon part, we strongly encourage you to replace the part, even if there is no indication of damage" -- I have to agree with that and would think twice about a used CF frame myself.

 

[panhndl]

Maybe I should not comment here: as we do not sell off-road bikes with carbon fiber frames --- However, how does one know the condition of a used CF frame?

Have you heard this? "If you impact your bike and the force of the impact is absorbed by a carbon part, we strongly encourage you to replace the part, even if there is no indication of damage" -- I have to agree with that and would think twice about a used CF frame myself.

Yeah, you shouldn't have. I did note that there are a lot in aluminum...like over 1000 bikes.

 

[bikesdirect]

Yeah, you shouldn't have. I did note that there are a lot in aluminum...like over 1000 bikes.

Yes, that is my point -- if I were going to buy a used bike, I would only look at metail frames not CF. I can evaluate the condition of an aluminum, steel, or Ti frame by looking at it. That is not the case with CF.

 

[panhndl]

Yes, that is my point -- if I were going to buy a used bike, I would only look at metail frames not CF. I can evaluate the condition of an aluminum, steel, or Ti frame by looking at it. That is not the case with CF.

Right. And maybe linking CF bikes wasn't the best example. I just wanted to point out that there are some "deals" on bikes on ebay if you're willing to purchase from there. In addition, any number of retail brands can be represented on ebay that will be almost, if not exactly, identical to the bikes available at your local LBS. A person could actually test ride a bike, find the right size, style, brand, etc. and purchase a bike off ebay for substantial savings over a new bike from most LBS.

While I will admit that Bikesdirect.com does offer good component packages at a nice price point, it is almost impossible to actually ride one of your bikes prior to purchasing.

I was merely pointing out that if you're looking for a "deal", there are other options besides bikesdirect.com.

 

[bikesdirect]

Right. And maybe linking CF bikes wasn't the best example. I just wanted to point out that there are some "deals" on bikes on ebay if you're willing to purchase from there. In addition, any number of retail brands can be represented on ebay that will be almost, if not exactly, identical to the bikes available at your local LBS. A person could actually test ride a bike, find the right size, style, brand, etc. and purchase a bike off ebay for substantial savings over a new bike from most LBS.

While I will admit that Bikesdirect.com does offer good component packages at a nice price point, it is almost impossible to actually ride one of your bikes prior to purchasing.

I was merely pointing out that if you're looking for a "deal", there are other options besides bikesdirect.com.

You are 100% correct; there are lots of good options on buying bikes at great prices: ebay, performance, price point, and bikesdirect to name a few.

I think used bikes in general are risky for mose buyers; but sometimes they work out.
My point was I would never buy a used CF bike; I would not consider it safe.

 

[salpic]

If you're going used, go local. The selection is definitely lower (especially when you live in college town), but with patience you can find a great deal. Also, you get to actually see and ride the bike for a bit before buying!

For 2 grand though? I want that to be the last bike I ever buy.

 

[panhndl]

Personally, I'm not as concerned about an ebay bike as most. I'd only buy from someone with a good number of feedback that are 100% positive. Most of those sellers are trying to protect their reputation.

Salpic- No doubt that local shops/people may be good for a lot of people. Craigslist is a prime example, but many people don't live in an area where buying used is much of an option.

Once again, I merely wanted to point out to the OP that when shopping for a "deal" (and let's face it, if you're buying from bikesdirect.com, you're shopping for a deal) then there are other options that allow the buyer to buy brands he/she might be more familiar with that can also have nice component specs.

When shopping for a "deal" there are definately some risks. Buying the bike from ebay is risky. You don't get to look at the bike prior to buying it. Buying a bike from bikesdirect.com doesn't allow you to ride the bike prior to purchase. Also, you have to put it together. That could be a major problem for some people.

Additionally, there are people who have had issues with bikesdirect.com. I haven't. I don't know that the bikes aren't top notch. I don't really have a dog in this fight since I'm not selling a bike and am not buying a bike. The OP just asked for some other options, and I just wanted to point out that ebay does offer some serious bargains *if* you're willing to take the risk.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a bikesdirect.com full susser but wouldn't hesitate to buy a hardtail. Rear suspension is tricky and there are literally hundreds of reviews and tests of the more popular brands that one can reference for advice. On the flip side, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a full susser from ebay AS LONG AS the seller had good feedback and the photos of the bike were quality. Well, and the price was right, heh.

To the OP- do let us know what you end up buying and let us know how you like what you find, and good luck with your bike purchase.

 

[mcgong]

Just to add my 2 cents.

Like other posters, I would rather test the bike before buying it and like one pivot, i would rather buy a frame with good geometry or one that matches my riding. You'd be surprise how much a degree can make on the feeling and performance of a bike. But again, this is all subjective too.